Why Bear Lake Needs Us — And Why We Need Bear Lake Watch

By Brady Long, Executive Director, Bear Lake Watch

For over 30 years, Bear Lake Watch has stood as a steward for one of our region’s most treasured natural resources — Bear Lake. Known for its brilliant turquoise waters, unique ecology, and vital role in our local economy, Bear Lake is not just a scenic getaway — it’s part of our identity, our livelihood, and our legacy.
But the health of the lake we love isn’t guaranteed. Rising tourism, increased agricultural demands, invasive species, and climate shifts are all putting pressure on Bear Lake’s fragile ecosystem. If we want to preserve this lake for future generations, the time to act — and to support those who are doing the work — is now.

A Local Treasure with Regional Impact

Bear Lake is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its stunning blue color. But its value goes far beyond beauty. The lake supports a dynamic mix of industries, including recreation, tourism, farming, and ranching. Thousands of visitors come each year, drawn by boating, fishing, and the pristine scenery. At the same time, local farmers and ranchers rely on the Bear Lake Valley’s natural resources to sustain their operations.

Balancing all of these needs — economic, recreational, and environmental — is no simple task. That’s where Bear Lake Watch comes in.

Science-Driven, Community-Focused

Bear Lake Watch is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the health and future of Bear Lake through science, education, and public involvement. Bear Lake Watch is rooted in this community. It’s made up of local residents, scientists, and stakeholders who care deeply about the lake and the surrounding valley.
What makes Bear Lake Watch different is its focus on science-based action. The organization works closely with researchers, state agencies, and local leaders to ensure decisions about the lake are informed by the latest data and environmental monitoring.

In 2025, Bear Lake Watch is launching three critical research projects — and community support is essential to making them happen.

Three Projects That Will Shape the Lake’s Future

Economic and Environmental Impacts Study – Bear Lake’s economy depends on a balance between tourism, agriculture, and environmental preservation. This study will assess how these industries affect water use and quality in the region — helping decision-makers create policies that protect both livelihoods and the lake.
Hydrodynamics of Bear Lake – Bear Lake’s water clarity and color are directly influenced by how water moves within the lake. Researchers will collect high-resolution data on currents and temperatures, which will be shared in a public database to guide future lake management and scientific study.

Sediment and Milfoil Growth Study – Eurasian Watermilfoil, an aggressive invasive plant, has made its way into Bear Lake. It’s known for choking out native species, disrupting boating, and damaging ecosystems. This project will explore how sediments affect its growth and how best to control it — protecting both the lake and the recreational experiences it provides.

These projects are not just academic exercises — they are vital tools for protecting the lake’s future. And they can’t happen without local support.

Why Your Support Matters

You don’t have to be a scientist to help protect Bear Lake. Supporting Bear Lake Watch can be as simple as donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Every dollar raised goes directly toward research, monitoring, and education programs that safeguard the lake.

If you live in the Bear Lake region, your life is likely already touched by the lake — whether through your business, your family’s favorite beach spot, or the water that supports local agriculture. Bear Lake Watch exists to ensure those experiences and opportunities remain available — not just today, but for generations to come.
What’s at Stake

Without careful management and public support, Bear Lake faces serious risks. Overuse, pollution, sediment runoff, invasive species, and climate-related stressors all threaten the clarity and health of the lake. If we take the lake for granted, we may lose the very qualities that make it so special.

But it’s not too late.

By supporting Bear Lake Watch, we empower a group that has been quietly, effectively working behind the scenes for decades — tracking water quality, reviewing development impacts, and speaking up when the lake needs a voice.
How You Can Help

Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation to support Bear Lake Watch’s 2025 research projects.

Join: Become a member to stay informed and engaged.
Volunteer: Help with water sampling, educational outreach, or community events.
Share: Follow Bear Lake Watch on social media and tell your friends and neighbors why this work matters.

To get involved, visit www.bearlakewatch.org or contact the organization directly.
Together, We Can Keep Bear Lake Blue

Bear Lake is more than a body of water — it’s a part of who we are. It connects our past to our future, and it belongs to all of us. By supporting Bear Lake Watch, we’re investing in something worth protecting — a lake that gives so much and needs us now in return.

Let’s keep Bear Lake clean, deep, and brilliantly blue — together.